Work

Predictive value of cyst size for clinical symptoms in patients with prenatally diagnosed choledochal cysts

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Choledochal cysts (CDCs) are common congenital biliary malformations in children. However, current research on whether cyst size links to postnatal clinical symptoms in prenatally diagnosed CDCs remains scarce and unclear. This study aimed to explore the predictive value of cyst size for the occurrence of clinical symptoms in patients with prenatally diagnosed CDCs. Methods: A retrospective review of medical records was conducted for patients with prenatally diagnosed CDCs who were admitted to Fujian Children's Hospital between January 2018 and May 2025. The patients were divided into a symptomatic group (n=15) and an asymptomatic group (n=29) based on the presence or absence of clinical symptoms at the time of surgery. Univariate analyses were performed to screen factors closely related to clinical symptoms. Additionally, we focused on the role of cyst size (i.e., width and length) in predicting the development of CDCs related symptoms. Results: 22 [18, 34], P=0.002} were significantly greater in the symptomatic group at preoperative ultrasound (POU). The area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve of the preoperative maximum cyst length was 0.789, the best cut-off point was 44 mm, and the sensitivity and specificity were 73% and 79%, respectively. The AUROC of the preoperative maximum cyst width was 0.783, the best cut-off point was 36 mm, and the sensitivity and specificity were 73% and 81%, respectively. Conclusions: Rapid cyst growth trend is suggestive of an increased risk of clinical symptoms. A cyst length >44 mm and width >36 mm indicates the possible onset of clinical symptoms. Dynamic assessment protocol integrating rapid cyst growth trend with quantified size cut-offs offers a reliable strategy for predicting CDCs-related clinical symptoms.

Source: Translational Pediatrics

DOI: 10.21037/tp-2025-aw-766

Authors: Weijun Zheng, Lanxin Zhu, Fei Chen, Yifan Fang, Dianming Wu, Mingkun Liu

Institutions: Fujian Medical University, Fujian Women and Children Hospital, Shanghai Children's Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: Pediatric Hepatobiliary Diseases and Treatments

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: Fujian Medical University